Engine Cover removal - broken posts??

[galaxie500]

First time changing spark plugs today which required engine cover off. Drove across London to my folks house so the car was nicely warmed through and pulled evenly on the cover and "Bingo", the cover came off easily with only one of the rubber grommets pulled out of its hole and still attached to the post. But, 2 of the posts are busted.
Here's a shot of the top left post with the corresponding grommet attached to the engine cover behind it:



......anyone seen this before and should I buy replacements if the posts are indeed available? What might have happened to the broken pieces?!
Thanks
galaxie500



edit---- TEST (richwig83)

[Scottymon]

Yeah regularly found to be snapped these, grab them from the dealer I forget how much, but they aren't expensive and they usually have them in stock, which tells you something, lol.

[chris205gti]

I also checked my plugs last night and found a post had snapped along with a broken rubber too. Also found a bracket thats located near to the timing belt, that holds the fuel lines had snapped, probably happened when someone was changing the cambelt.

[OSB]

Seems to be a recurring problem.
After I wrestled mine off the first time, I wiped some Rubber Grease over the post and in the rubber bung. Won't fall off but does come free a lot easier now.

[bigeyd]

An invaluable pic,also having been on a long journey helps as the plastic is more bendy

[rich83]

Hi paul... just trying to edit the first post..

[galaxie500]

Bought my new engine cover posts (ball joints as ETKA describes them)
Removing old broken posts revealed they're made from a hard rubber compound and tear up badly when undone with wrench. The post base fits a 24mm Deep 12 point socket which I bought from local car spares shop. £5.32. Draper Expert hi Torq. Not bad quality! Doubt I'll every use it again though!